Types of Body Asymmetries

There are several types of body asymmetries, many of which I have discussed in previous posts. I thought it would be useful to introduce them together, here. Body asymmetries are differences in size, shape, or alignment between the sides of your body. Common asymmetries include scoliosis, leg length discrepancy, limb length discrepancy, torticollis, pectus carinatum, and pectus excavatum.

Body asymmetries can result from a variety of causes: genetics, injury, surgery, and muscle imbalances. While the body is inherently, albeit slightly, asymmetrical (e.g., the heart is angled to one side, the liver resides on one side of the body, and dominant handedness indicates asymmetrical pathways in the brain), these asymmetries are more than “normal” bilateral conditions. Even individuals not clinically diagnosed with body asymmetries commonly have mild versions (e.g., the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons cite nearly 50% of people have a subtle difference in the length of their legs).

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, both along the lateral and sagittal planes. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons it affects 2–3% of the population, primarily appearing around puberty, or between the ages of 10 and 15.

Leg Length Discrepancy

This occurs from unequal leg lengths, where one is longer than the other. The National Institutes of Health report that about 90% of the population have a small discrepancy of less than 1 cm, and these differences shouldn’t cause significant problems. However, larger differences can cause pain, joint issues, and mobility concerns.

Limb Length Discrepancy

Limb length discrepancies encompass leg length discrepancies but include all limbs, that is, arms and legs. Often genetic causes of a leg length discrepancy will also affect the length of the arms. Though I have a slight difference in the lengths of my arms, I focus on the legs for two reasons. First, the discrepancy between my arm lengths is minimal and likely within “normal” standards. And, second, though we use our arms throughout the day, the impact of arm length discrepancies is generally less. Our arms are often used in an asymmetric manner, but our legs are used together in everyday functions, primarily in standing and walking. 

Torticollis

This is a muscular asymmetry in the neck that causes a tilting of the head. It often occurs in newborn babies as a result of their position in the womb and delivery.

Pectus Carinatum and Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum
© Nevit Dilmen, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Pectus carinatum is a condition where the breastbone protrudes outward; pectus excavatum is where the breastbone sinks inward. Often, they are symmetrical protrusions or indentations, but not always. They are commonly caused by genetics and can affect the organs within the chest, like the heart and lungs.

Why introduce these together?

In addition to providing an overview of different conditions of body asymmetries, I want to show these conditions together to show that those suffering from one of these aren’t alone. Looking at more of these conditions together might help us find more methods to manage them. I often use yoga for leg length discrepancy and scoliosis, but would some of the same exercises help those with pectus carinatum, for example? Maybe this community can work together to find a little more balance.